Acidifying compound

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention relates to soil and water treatment compounds, specifically to an acidifying composition used to treat soil or irrigation water used for growing plants. Disclosed is an acidifying composition that includes an organic acid. The acidifying composition is used to control and manage conditions in irrigation water and soil to prevent sodic deterioration of soil structure. Treatment of soil and/or irrigation water with the disclosed acidifying composition leads to improved soil quality and improved quality of plants grown in the soil treated with the acidifying composition.

The present disclosure relates to soil and water treatment compositions,and specifically to a composition used to treat soil and/or irrigationwater used for growing plants.

Irrigation water containing excessive levels of sodium, carbonate, andbicarbonate ions can pose major problems for farmers, ranchers,turf-grass managers, and crop managers. Calcium plays a key role in soilstructure. Calcium and other polyvalent cations such as magnesium, arestrongly attracted to negative sites on soil surfaces, where they formion bridges that hold soil particles together, restrict swelling, andprevent dispersion. Thus, calcium, magnesium, and similar polyvalentcations are a contributor to positive soil quality. However, carbonatesand other anions in water have a high affinity for calcium andmagnesium. This chemical attraction can result in the formation ofinsoluble salts and prevents calcium from being available to the soiland the plants. The buildup of insoluble salts in water and soilcontributes to decreased soil aeration, soil percolation, and soildrainage; and negatively affects crops grown in the soil. In addition tooverall poor soil quality, the accumulation of monovalent cations (e.g.,sodium) in soil can impart toxicity to plants, nutrient deficiencies,and relatively high pH (e.g., pH≥8).

Known techniques and practices for removing salts and/or alkalis areoften expensive and relatively ineffective. One such technique isamending the soil by incorporation of cattle manure and/or green manuresinto the topsoil to maintain a porous condition that will induceinfiltration of water into the soil. In high temperature climates,typical of irrigated arid regions, these organic amendments decayrapidly and their influence on soil properties is lost. Anothertechnique involves the application of gypsum, sulfuric acid, orelemental sulfur to facilitate the removal of sodium. This techniquerequires large quantities of materials (typically on the order oftons/acre), considerable manpower and fuel, and is only temporarilyeffective. Yet another technique previously employed is the mechanicalpractice of chiseling, deep plowing, and slip plowing to improve watermovement into and through the soil profile. This practice is of arelatively short-term benefit because the soils tend to slake down andclose up after being irrigated requiring reworking on a yearly basis.

Accordingly, among the various aspects of the present disclosure,therefore, is a composition that can reduce salt buildup in soil,improve soil aeration, percolation, and drainage, and/or liberatepolyvalent cations, such as calcium and magnesium, from precipitatesthereby increasing the accessibility of the polyvalent cations to thesoil.

Disclosed is an acidifying composition comprising an organic acid. Theacidifying composition may be used to control and manage conditions inirrigation water and soil to prevent and treat sodic deterioration ofsoil structure. Treatment of soil and/or irrigation water leads toimproved growth and quality of plants grown in the soil treated with theacidifying composition. In some embodiments, the acidifying compositionincludes a coordinating agent. In some embodiments, the coordinatingagent is a chelator. The acidifying composition can be a liquid or asolid. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition is mixed withwater to form a solution. In some embodiments, the acidifyingcomposition includes gypsum or lime. In some embodiments, the acidifyingcomposition is mixed with gypsum or lime.

Also disclosed is a method of promoting plant growth, conditioning soil,fertilizing plants, or conditioning irrigation water, where the methodcomprises mixing an acidifying composition with water, and applying themixture of acidifying composition and water to soil, wherein at leastone plant is planted in the soil. In some embodiments, the methodincludes adding a source of calcium to the soil.

Further disclosed is a method of conditioning soil used to grow plants,promoting plant growth, or fertilizing plants, where the methodcomprises applying an acidifying composition to soil, where the soil isused to grow plants; and applying water to the soil. In someembodiments, the method includes adding a source of calcium to the soil.

Briefly, therefore one aspect of the present disclosure is an acidifyingcomposition for water and/or soil treatment wherein the acidifyingcomposition comprising an acid, a base, and an amino acid. In one suchembodiment, the acid comprises a mineral acid, an organic acid or acombination of mineral acid(s) and/or organic acid(s). In another suchembodiment, the base is ammonia or an organic base. In another suchembodiment, the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids and the base is ammonia or anamine base. In another such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acidsand the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another such embodiment, theacid is a mixture of acids, the base is ammonia or an amine base and theamino acid is an L-amino acid.

A further aspect the present disclosure is an acidifying composition forwater and/or soil treatment wherein the acidifying composition comprisesan acid, a base, and an additive. In one such embodiment, the acidcomprises a mineral acid, an organic acid or a combination of mineralacid(s) and/or organic acid(s). In another such embodiment, the base isammonia or an organic base. In another such embodiment, the additive isa plant growth regulator. In another such embodiment, the additive is aplant extract. In another such embodiment, the additive is a surfactant.In another such embodiment, the additive is a saponin. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids and the base is ammonia or anamine base. In another such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acidsand the additive is a plant extract. In another such embodiment, theacid is a mixture of acids and the additive is a saponin. In anothersuch embodiment, the additive comprises a Yucca extract. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids, the base is ammonia or anamine base and the additive is a Yucca extract.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is an acidifying compositionfor water and/or soil treatment wherein the composition comprises anacid, a base, an amino acid and an additive. In one such embodiment, theacid comprises a mineral acid, an organic acid or a combination ofmineral acid(s) and/or organic acid(s). In another such embodiment, thebase is ammonia or an organic base. In another such embodiment, theamino acid is an L-amino acid. In another such embodiment, the additiveis a plant growth regulator. In another such embodiment, the additive isa plant extract. In another such embodiment, the additive is asurfactant. In another such embodiment, the additive is a saponin. Inanother such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids and the base isammonia or an amine base. In another such embodiment, the acid is amixture of acids and the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids and the additive is a plantextract. In another such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids, thebase is ammonia or an amine base, the amino acid is an L-amino acid andthe additive is a Yucca extract.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is an acidifying compositionfor water and/or soil treatment wherein the composition comprises anacid mixture, a base, an amino acid and a natural surfactant. In onesuch embodiment, the acid mixture comprises citric acid. In another suchembodiment, the base is ammonia or an organic base. In another suchembodiment, the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the additive is a plant growth regulator. In another suchembodiment, the additive is a plant extract. In another such embodiment,the additive is a surfactant. In another such embodiment, the additiveis a saponin. In another such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acidscomprising citric acid and the base is ammonia or an amine base. Inanother such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids comprisingcitric acid and the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids comprising citric acid andthe additive comprises Yucca extract. In another such embodiment, theacid is a mixture of acids comprising citric acid, the base is an aminebase, the amino acid is an L-amino acid and the additive is a Yuccaextract.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is an acidifying compositionfor water and/or soil treatment in which the composition comprises anacid mixture, a base, an amino acid and a natural surfactant. In onesuch embodiment, the acid mixture comprises glycolic acid. In anothersuch embodiment, the organic base is an amine base. In another suchembodiment, the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the additive is a plant growth regulator. In another suchembodiment, the additive is a plant extract. In another such embodiment,the additive is a surfactant. In another such embodiment, the additiveis a saponin. In another such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acidscomprising glycolic acid and the base is ammonia or an amine base. Inanother such embodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids comprisingglycolic acid and the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In another suchembodiment, the acid is a mixture of acids comprising glycolic acid andthe additive is a Yucca extract. In another such embodiment, the acid isa mixture of acids comprising glycolic acid, the base is an amine base,the amino acid is an L-amino acid and the additive is a Yucca extract.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is an acidifying compositionfor water and/or soil treatment in which the composition comprises anacid mixture, a base, an amino acid and an additive. In one suchembodiment, the acid mixture comprises glycolic acid and citric acid. Inanother such embodiment, the base is ammonia or an organic base. Inanother such embodiment, the amino acid is an L-amino acid. In anothersuch embodiment, the additive is a plant growth regulator. In anothersuch embodiment, the additive is a plant extract. In another suchembodiment, the additive is a surfactant. In another such embodiment,the additive is a saponin. In another such embodiment, the acid is amixture of acids comprising glycolic acid and citric acid and the baseis ammonia or an amine base. In another such embodiment, the acid is amixture of acids comprising glycolic acid and citric acid and the aminoacid is an L-amino acid. In another such embodiment, the acid is amixture of acids comprising glycolic acid and citric acid and theadditive is a plant extract. In another such embodiment, the acid is amixture of acids comprising glycolic acid and citric acid, the base isan amine base, the amino acid is an L-amino acid and the additive is aYucca extract.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following moreparticular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a solution of an acidifying composition and water beingadded to soil.

FIG. 2 shows a solution of an acidifying composition and water beingsprayed on soil being used to grow a plant.

FIG. 3 shows a solid acidifying composition being mixed with soil, withwater also being added to the soil. The soil is being used to grow aplant.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of promoting plant growth, conditioningsoil, fertilizing plants, or conditioning irrigation water.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of conditioning soil used to grow plants,promote plant growth, or fertilize plants.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show photographs of regions of a field treated with anacidifying composition. FIGS. 6C and 6D show photographs of regions of afield that were not treated with an acidifying composition.

FIG. 7A shows photographs of a comparison of the treated and untreatedfields. FIG. 7B shows a flow of a water supply from a primary canal toterminal canals supplying each field.

DEFINITIONS

“Alkylamine” as used herein is a compound having an amine functionalgroup with a lone pair, further including a linear saturated monovalenthydrocarbon chain, covalently bound to the basic nitrogen atom (e.g.,methyl, ethyl, propyl, and the like), or a branched saturated monovalenthydrocarbon chain covalently bound to the basic nitrogen atom. Thehydrocarbon chain may comprise, for example, one to seven carbon atoms(e.g., C_(n)H_(2n+1), where n=1-7) (e.g., 2-propyl, 2-butyl, 2-pentyl,and all other isomeric forms, respectively).

“Amendment” as used in connection with soil is any composition that,when combined with or otherwise added to a soil, modifies the physicaland/or chemical properties of the soil. The amendment may, for example,modify the permeability, water absorption, drainage, aeration,structure, and/or other physical properties of the soil. The soilamendment may, alternatively or additionally, provide macronutrients ormicronutrients for flora or fauna sustained or to be sustained by thesoil.

“Amine” as used herein is an organic compound(s) or functional group(s)that includes a nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are generallyderivatives of ammonia, meaning, one or more hydrogen atoms of ammoniahave been substituted with carbon atoms.

“Aromatic nitrogen heterocycle” as used herein is a nitrogen heterocyclecharacterized by a planar unsaturated ring of atoms that are stabilizedby overlapping pi electrons. Typical aromatic nitrogen heterocyclesinclude pyridine and its derivatives.

“Benzylalkonium chloride” as used herein refers to aN-alkyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethyl quaternary ammonium moiety. As usedherein, the alkyl typically refers to C_(n)H_(2n+1), where n=8, 10, 12,14, 16, 18.

“Hydroxyalkyl” means a linear monovalent hydrocarbon chain or a branchedmonovalent hydrocarbon chain, substituted with one or two hydroxygroups, provided that if two hydroxy groups are present, both are not onthe same carbon atom. The hydrocarbon chain may comprise, for example,one to seven carbon atoms (e.g., C_(n)H2_(n+1), where n=1-7).Representative examples include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl,2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxybutyl,3-hydroxybutyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2,3-dihydroxybutyl,3,4-dihydroxybutyl, and the like.

“N-hydroxyalkylamine” as used herein is an amine having one or morehydroxyalkyl substituents.

“Nitrogen heterocycle” as used herein is a saturated or unsaturatedmonocyclic group of one to seven carbon ring atoms in which at least onecarbon ring atom is substituted by a nitrogen atom, and one or moreother ring atoms are optionally substituted by oxygen.

“Organic acid” as used herein is an organic compound with acidicproperties. As used herein, an organic acid having one carbon atom maybe designated as a C1 organic acid. Non-limiting examples of C1 organicacids include formic acid and methanesulfonic acid. C1 organic acids,and organic acids containing additional carbon atoms (e.g., C10, C20,C30, etc.), may also include heteroatom substitutions. Non-limitingexamples of heteroatoms include nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and halogens.

“Organic base” is an organic compound with basic properties. As usedherein, an organic base having one carbon atom may be designated as a C1organic base. A non-limiting examples of a C1 organic bases includesmethylamine. C1 organic bases, and organic bases containing additionalcarbon atoms (e.g., C10, C20, C30, etc.), may also include heteroatomsubstitutions. Non-limiting examples of heteroatoms include nitrogen,oxygen, sulfur, and halogens.

“Organic compound” is any compound not classified as a carbide,carbonate, or cyanide, and other than carbon monoxide and carbon dioxidein which one or more atoms of carbon are covalently linked to atoms ofother elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen.

“Phosphoric acid ester” as used herein refers to phosphoric acidmolecules that have condensed with one or more alcohol functional groupsof alkyl alcohols, forming mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl phosphate esters,respectively

“Saponin” as used herein refers to amphipathic glycosides composed ofone or more hydrophilic glycoside moieties combined with a lipophilictriterpene derivative.

“Sulfosuccinic acid” as used herein is a derivative of succinic acidwherein one of the methylene moieties in succinic acid is sulphonated.

“Surfactant amine” as used herein refers to a surfactant that includesan amine functionality as defined above.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed invention relates to soil and water treatment compounds,specifically to an acidifying composition used to treat soil orirrigation water. The soil can be used for growing plants, for example.The disclosed acidifying composition includes an organic acid. Theacidifying composition is used to control and manage conditions inirrigation water and soil to prevent, e.g., sodic deterioration of soilstructure. Treatment of soil and/or irrigation water with the acidifyingcomposition leads to improved growth and quality of plants grown in thesoil treated with the acidifying composition. The acidifying compositionreacts with calcium carbonates and bicarbonates in water and soil,releasing calcium ions, which are now free to replace sodium on soilparticle exchange sites.

Releasing calcium ions so they are available to replace sodium on soilparticle exchange sites is an important step in reclaiming sodic soils.In accordance with the present disclosure, an acidifying composition maybe used for one or more of such purposes.

Irrigation water containing excessive levels of sodium, carbonate, andother ions can pose major problems for farmers, ranchers, turfgrassmanagers, and crop managers. Calcium plays a key positive role in soilstructure. Calcium and other polyvalent cations, such as magnesium, arestrongly attracted to negative sites on soil surfaces, where they formion bridges that hold soil particles together, restrict swelling, andprevent soil dispersion. Calcium also contributes positively to plantgrowth and health. Thus, calcium, magnesium, and similar polyvalentcations are a contributor to positive soil quality and plant growth.

Unfortunately, high carbonate (CO₃ ²⁻) and other anions (e.g.,phosphate) levels in water decrease the availability of calcium andmagnesium in the soil solution. Carbonate and other anions, with theirnegative charges, are strongly attracted to the positive charges ofcalcium and magnesium, and form insoluble precipitates of calciumcarbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) when the soil solutionconcentrates during soil drying. A similar reaction occurs between theanionic phosphate and cations like Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺. This chemicalattraction results in the formation of insoluble salts, and preventscalcium from being available to the soil and the plants. In addition,these anions strip calcium from soil sites and the open soil sitesattract sodium cations. When the sodium cations occupy the soil sites,this causes dispersion of soil particles, the breakdown of soilaggregates, and causes the soil to become hard and compact when dry.This “sodic” soil will become increasingly impervious to waterpenetration and inhibit water percolation. The buildup of insolublesalts in water and soil contributes to decreased soil aeration,decreased soil percolation, decreased soil drainage, and negativelyaffects crops grown in the soil. Soil scientists recognize thatprevention and reclamation of sodic soils can be initiated with thereplacement of excess sodium by another cation, such as calcium.

The disclosed acidifying composition is used to control and manageconditions in irrigation water and soil to prevent sodic deteriorationof soil structure. The disclosed acidifying composition increases theamount of free calcium ions in the soil that can bind with soil sitesand prevent or reclaim sodic soil. Treatment of soil and/or irrigationwater with the acidifying composition leads to increased levels of freecalcium ions that can be bonded with soil sites and absorbed by plantroots, and can contribute to plant growth and health.

In one embodiment, the disclosed acidifying composition comprises anorganic acid. The acidifying composition can be a liquid or a solid. Insome embodiments, the acidifying composition is mixed with water to forma solution. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition includes acalcium source. In some embodiments, the calcium source is gypsum orlime. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition is mixed with acalcium source such as gypsum or lime. In some embodiments, thedisclosed acidifying composition includes a coordinating agent thatcoordinates calcium ions to prevent their involvement with other ionssuch as carbonates. Sequestration of calcium ions increases theefficiency of calcium compounds that are added to the soil.Sequestration of calcium ions also increases plant root uptake ofcalcium by plants in soil treated with the acidifying composition. Insome embodiments, the coordinating agent is a chelator.

The acidifying composition can be applied to soil in many differentways. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition is mixed withirrigation water that is applied to soil, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1shows an acidifying composition 110 being applied to soil 130. A plant120 is growing in soil 130. Acidifying composition 110 in thisembodiment is mixed with water. Acidifying composition 110 can be mixedwith water in many different ways. Acidifying composition 110 can beinjected into irrigation water, for example.

In some embodiments, the acidifying composition 110 is applied by a boomspray to soil, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows acidifying composition110 being applied to soil 130 via a boom sprayer 140. In thisembodiment, water can be added to soil 130 with acidifying composition110, or separately as irrigation water, or both.

In some embodiments, the acidifying composition is applied to soil as asolid, either before, or concurrently with, water being applied to thesoil, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows acidifying composition 110 beingapplied to soil 130 as a solid material, with water 150 being appliedseparately.

When the acidifying composition is present with a mixture of soil andwater, the acidifying composition reacts with carbonates andbicarbonates, forming water and carbon dioxide, and leaving the calciumand magnesium in solution. The acidifying composition also increases thesolubility of gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O) or lime (CaCO₃) in water and increasestheir availability to plants and soil. When added to irrigation water,the acidifying composition solubilizes calcium from calcium carbonatesand calcium bicarbonate in the water and in the soil. The acidifyingcomposition reacts with the insoluble calcium salts, releasing calciumions, water, and carbon dioxide. The calcium ions are now free toreplace sodium ions on soil particle exchange sites

Unlike sulfur and sulfur-based acids that can be difficult to handle,can increase the sulfate content of the soil, and may trigger blacklayer formation, the acidifying composition is easy to handle and willnot add to the sulfate content of the soil. The acidifying compositioncan be used alone, or in conjunction with a calcium source such as, forexample but not by way of limitation, gypsum or lime.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 200 of promoting plant growth, conditioningsoil, fertilizing plants, or conditioning irrigation water, where method200 comprises step 210 of mixing an acidifying composition with water,and step 220 of applying the mixture of acidifying composition and waterto soil, wherein at least one plant is planted in the soil. In someembodiments, the acidifying composition includes an organic acid. Insome embodiments, the acidifying composition includes a sequesteringagent, which can be a chelator. In some embodiments, method 200 includesadding a source of calcium to the soil. In some embodiments, the calciumsource is one of gypsum or lime. Method 200 can include many othersteps.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 300 of conditioning soil used to growplants, promote plant growth, or fertilize plants, where the methodcomprises step 310 of applying an acidifying composition to soil, wherethe soil is used to grow plants; and step 320 of applying water to thesoil. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition includes anorganic acid. In some embodiments, the acidifying composition includes asequestering agent, which can be a chelator. In some embodiments, method300 includes adding a source of calcium to the soil. In someembodiments, the calcium source is one of gypsum or lime. Method 300 caninclude many other steps.

As described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 5, the acidifying compositionmay be used in the treatment of a wide range of soils used for thecultivation of any of a wide range of crops. As noted, the acidifyingcomposition may be applied to the soil as a liquid or solid, and may bein the form of a concentrate or combined with a diluent (solid orliquid). For example, in some embodiments, the acidifying compositionmay be a concentrate in form of a solid (e.g., a free-flowing powder oran agglomerate), a semisolid, or a liquid. If in solid form, theconcentrate may be amorphous, crystalline, or a combination thereof. Ifin liquid form, the concentrate may be a mixture of solid or liquidcomponent forms resulting in a liquid, oil, paste, emulsion, suspension,or the like, without limitation.

In general, the acidifying composition comprises an acid. For example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises a mineral acidor an organic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments,the acid may function as a chelator or a sequestering agent for calciumor other ions. Exemplary mineral acids include hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, hydrofluoric acid, perchloric acid, sulfuric acid,sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, nitric acid,chromic acid, boric acid, and the like. Exemplary organic acids includesulfonic acids and carboxylic acids. In one such exemplary embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises a C1-C20 organic acid. In one suchexemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises a C1-C7organic acid. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises a C1-C7 sulfonic acid. By way offurther example, in one such embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises a C1-C7 sulfonic acid selected from the group consisting ofmethanesulfonic acid (CH₃SO₃H), benzene sulfonic acid (C₆H₅SO₃H), andtoluenesulfonic acid (CH₃C₆H₄SO₃H). By way of further example, in onesuch embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises a C1-C20carboxylic acid. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises a C1-C7 carboxylic acid. In one suchexemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises a C1-C20carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid(HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolic acid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid(HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH),fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaricacid (C₄H₆O₆), succinic acid (HOOC(CH₂)₂COOH), valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂),citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), caproic acid (C₆H₁₂O₂), gluconic acid(HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH), enanthic acid (CH₃(CH₂)₅COOH), benzoic acid(C₇H₆O₂), salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃), malic acid (C₄H₆O₅), linoleic acid(C₁₈H₃₂O₂), linolenic acid (C₁₈H₃₀O₂), arachidonic acid (C₂₀H₃₂O₂),jasmonic acid (C₁₂H₁₈O₃), and combinations thereof. In another suchexemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises a C1-C7carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid(HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolic acid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid(HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH),fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaricacid (C₄H₆O₆), succinic acid (HOOC(CH₂)₂COOH), valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂),citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), caproic acid (C₆H₁₂O₂), gluconic acid(HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH), enanthic acid (CH₃(CH₂)₅COOH), benzoic acid(C₇H₆O₂), salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃), malic acid (C₄H₆O₅), and combinationsthereof. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises a C1-C7 carboxylic acid selected fromthe group consisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH),glycolic acid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid(CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH), fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H),butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaric acid (C₄H₆O₆), succinic acid(HOOC(CH₂)₂COOH), valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂), citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), caproicacid (C₆H₁₂O₂), gluconic acid (HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH), and combinationsthereof. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises a carboxylic acid selected from thegroup consisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolicacid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH),lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH), fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid(CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaric acid (C₄H₆O₆), citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), andcombinations thereof. By way of further example, in one such embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises a carboxylic acid selected from thegroup consisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolicacid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH),butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), and combinationsthereof.

When the acidifying composition comprises two or more acids, e.g., amineral acid and an organic acid, two or more organic acids, two or moresulfonic acids, or even two or more carboxylic acids, the acids may bepresent in a range of relative ratios. For example, in one embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises a mineral acid and an organic acidwherein the molar ratio of the two is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises two organic acids wherein the molarratio of the two is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises two sulfonic acids wherein the molar ratio of the two is inthe range of 1:10 to 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises two carboxylicacids wherein the molar ratio of the two is in the range of 1:10 to10:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises citricacid and an organic acid (other than citric acid) and the molar ratio ofcitric acid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:10 to about10:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises citric acid and an organic acid (otherthan citric acid) and the molar ratio of citric acid to the organic acidis in the range of about 1:9 to about 9:1, respectively. By way offurther example, in one embodiment the acidifying composition comprisescitric acid and an organic acid (other than citric acid) and the molarratio of citric acid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:8 toabout 8:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodimentthe acidifying composition comprises citric acid and an organic acid(other than citric acid) and the molar ratio of citric acid to theorganic acid is in the range of about 1:7 to about 7:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment the acidifying compositioncomprises citric acid and an organic acid (other than citric acid) andthe molar ratio of citric acid to the organic acid is in the range ofabout 1:6 to about 6:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises citric acid and anorganic acid (other than citric acid) and the molar ratio of citric acidto the organic acid is in the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises citric acid and an organic acid (otherthan citric acid) and the molar ratio of citric acid to the organic acidis in the range of about 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively. By way offurther example, in one embodiment the acidifying composition comprisescitric acid and an organic acid (other than citric acid) and the molarratio of citric acid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:3 toabout 3:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodimentthe acidifying composition comprises citric acid and an organic acid(other than citric acid) and the molar ratio of citric acid to theorganic acid is in the range of about 1:2 to about 2:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment the acidifying compositioncomprises citric acid and an organic acid (other than citric acid) andthe molar ratio of citric acid to the organic acid is about 1:1,respectively. In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments identifiedin this paragraph, the other organic acid may be selected from the groupconsisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolic acid(HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), lacticacid (C₂H₄OHCOOH), fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid(CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaric acid (C₄H₆O₆), succinic acid (HOOC(CH₂)₂COOH),valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂), caproic acid (C₆H₁₂O₂), gluconic acid(HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH) and jasmonic acid (C₁₂H₁₈O₃). In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments identified in this paragraph, the otherorganic acid may be selected from the group consisting of formic acid(HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolic acid (HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid(HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH),fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), and tartaricacid (C₄H₆O₆). In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments identifiedin this paragraph, the other organic acid may be selected from the groupconsisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), glycolic acid(HOCH₂COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), andbutyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH).

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesglycolic acid and an organic acid (other than glycolic acid) and themolar ratio of glycolic acid to the organic acid is in the range ofabout 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and anorganic acid (other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolicacid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:9 to about 9:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and an organic acid(other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to theorganic acid is in the range of about 1:8 to about 8:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment the acidifying compositioncomprises glycolic acid and an organic acid (other than glycolic acid)and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to the organic acid is in the rangeof about 1:7 to about 7:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and anorganic acid (other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolicacid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:6 to about 6:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and an organic acid(other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to theorganic acid is in the range of about 1:5 to about 5:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment the acidifying compositioncomprises glycolic acid and an organic acid (other than glycolic acid)and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to the organic acid is in the rangeof about 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and anorganic acid (other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolicacid to the organic acid is in the range of about 1:3 to about 3:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and an organic acid(other than glycolic acid) and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to theorganic acid is in the range of about 1:2 to about 2:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment the acidifying compositioncomprises glycolic acid and an organic acid (other than glycolic acid)and the molar ratio of glycolic acid to the organic acid is about 1:1,respectively. In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments identifiedin this paragraph, the other organic acid may be selected from the groupconsisting of formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), oxalic acid(HOOCCOOH), propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH),fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H), butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), tartaricacid (C₄H₆O₆), succinic acid (HOOC(CH₂)₂COOH), valeric acid (C₅H₁₀O₂),citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), caproic acid (C₆H₁₂O₂), gluconic acid(HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH) and jasmonic acid (C₁₂H₁₈O₃). In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments identified in this paragraph, the otherorganic acid may be selected from the group consisting of formic acid(HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid(CH₃CH₂COOH), lactic acid (C₂H₄OHCOOH), fumaric acid (HO₂CCH═CHCO₂H),butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH), and tartaric acid (C₄H₆O₆). In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments identified in this paragraph, the otherorganic acid may be selected from the group consisting of formic acid(HCOOH), acetic acid (CH₃COOH), oxalic acid (HOOCCOOH), propionic acid(CH₃CH₂COOH), and butyric acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH).

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesglycolic acid and citric acid and the molar ratio of glycolic acid tothe citric acid is in the range of about 1:10 to about 10:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment theacidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citric acid and themolar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range of about 1:9to about 9:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodimentthe acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citric and themolar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range of about 1:8to about 8:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodimentthe acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citric acid andthe molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range of about1:7 to about 7:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range ofabout 1:6 to about 6:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range ofabout 1:5 to about 5:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range ofabout 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range ofabout 1:3 to about 3:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is in the range ofabout 1:2 to about 2:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment the acidifying composition comprises glycolic acid and citricand the molar ratio of glycolic acid to citric acid is about 1:1,respectively. In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, theacidifying composition may further comprise one or more mineral or otherorganic acids as previously described.

In general, the acidifying composition may further include a base. Thebase, for example, may be ammonia or an organic base. In certainembodiments, the base may function as a chelator or a sequestering agentfor calcium or other ions. In one embodiment, the base is ammonia, anamine base such as a surfactant amine, a nitrogen heterocycle, analkylamine, or a combination thereof. Exemplary surfactant aminesinclude N-hydroxyalkylamines. Exemplary nitrogen heterocycles includearomatic nitrogen heterocycles. Exemplary alkylamines include secondaryalkylamines and saturated cyclic amines. In one such exemplaryembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamine. By way of further example, in one such embodiment,the acidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20 aromatic nitrogenheterocycle. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20 secondary alkylamine.By way of further example, in one such embodiment, the acidifyingcomposition further comprises a C2-C20 saturated cyclic amine. By way offurther example, in one such embodiment, the acidifying compositionfurther comprises a C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine selected from the groupconsisting of monoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, triethanolamine,triisopropanolamine, and tetraethanolethylenediamine, and combinationsthereof. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20 aromatic nitrogenheterocycle selected from the group consisting of imidazole and3-picoline, and combinations thereof. By way of further example, in onesuch embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20secondary alkylamine including, without limitation, diethylamine. By wayof further example, in one such embodiment, the acidifying compositionfurther comprises a C2-C20 saturated cyclic amine including, withoutlimitation, morpholine. By way of further example, in one suchembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises a C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamine selected from the group consisting ofmonoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, triethanolamine, andtriisopropanolamine, and combinations thereof. By way of furtherexample, in one such embodiment, the acidifying composition furthercomprises a C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine selected from the groupconsisting of triethanolamine and triisopropanolamine. By way of furtherexample, in one such embodiment, the acidifying composition furthercomprises imidazole. By way of further example, in one such embodiment,the acidifying composition further comprises 3-picoline. In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments, any of the organic bases may functionas a chelator or a sequestering agent.

The acidifying composition may optionally comprise two or more bases.When the acidifying composition comprises two or more bases, e.g.,ammonia and a surfactant amine, two or more surfactant amines, two ormore nitrogen heterocycles, or even two or more alkylamines, the aminesmay be present in a range of relative ratios. For example, in oneembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises ammonia and asurfactant amine wherein the molar ratio of the two is in the range of1:10 to 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, in oneembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises two or moresurfactant amines wherein the molar ratio of the two is in the range of1:10 to 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, the acidifyingcomposition further comprises two or more nitrogen heterocycles whereinthe molar ratio of the two is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1,respectively. By way of further example, the acidifying compositionfurther comprises a nitrogen heterocycle and an alkylamine wherein themolar ratio of the two is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositionfurther comprises two or more alkylamines wherein the molar ratios of atleast two of the alkylamines is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1,respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition furthercomprises a first organic base selected from among monoethanolamine,triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine and isopropanolamine, and at leastone other (different) organic base selected from among C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamines. In one such embodiment the molar ratio of thefirst organic base to the other C2-C20 hydroxyalkylamine is in the rangeof about 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisestriethanolamine. Optionally, the acidifying composition may additionallycomprise at least one other organic base such as a C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamine. In one such embodiment, the molar ratio oftriethanolamine to the other organic base is in the range of about 1:10to about 10:1, respectively.

In general, the acidifying composition may further comprise an aminoacid. The amino acid, for example, may be one or more of the naturallyencoded amino acids and/or one or more non-naturally encoded aminoacids. The amino acid(s) may, for example, be present as a racemicmixture or an optically active mixture of the D- or L-isomers. In onesuch exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprisesan L-amino acid selected from the group consisting of arginine,histidine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine,asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, selenocysteine, glycine, proline,alanine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan,tyrosine, valine, and combinations thereof. By way of further example,in one such embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises aD-amino acid selected from the group consisting of arginine, histidine,lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine, asparagine,glutamine, cysteine, selenocysteine, glycine, proline, alanine,isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine,valine, and combinations thereof. By way of further example, in one suchembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises an L-amino acidselected from the group consisting of asparagine, glutamine, histidine,and tryptophan, and combinations thereof. By way of further example, inone such embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises anL-amino acid selected from the group consisting of asparagine andglutamine. By way of further example, in one such embodiment, theacidifying composition further comprises a D-amino acid selected fromthe group consisting of asparagine, glutamine, histidine, andtryptophan, and combinations thereof. By way of further example, in onesuch embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises a D-aminoacid selected from the group consisting of asparagine and glutamine.

When the acidifying composition comprises two or more compositionallydistinct amino acids, the amino acids may be present in a range ofrelative ratios. For example, in one embodiment, the acidifyingcomposition further comprises a first amino acid and a chemicallydistinct second amino acid wherein the molar ratio of the two is in therange of 1:10 to 10:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesL-asparagine and a second amino acid (other than L-asparagine) and themolar ratio of L-asparagine to the second amino acid is in the range ofabout 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprisesL-asparagine and a second amino acid (other than L-asparagine) and themolar ratio of the L-asparagine to the second amino acid is in the rangeof about 1:9 to about 9:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesL-glutamine and a second amino acid (other than L-glutamine) and themolar ratio of L-glutamine to the second amino acid is in the range ofabout 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises L-glutamineand a second amino acid (other than L-glutamine) and the molar ratio ofthe L-glutamine to the second amino acid is in the range of about 1:9 toabout 9:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesL-methionine and a second amino acid (other than L-methionine) and themolar ratio of L-methionine to the second amino acid is in the range ofabout 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprisesL-methionine and a second amino acid (other than L-methionine) and themolar ratio of the L-methionine to the second amino acid is in the rangeof about 1:9 to about 9:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesL-tryptophan and a second amino acid (other than L-tryptophan) and themolar ratio of L-tryptophan to the second amino acid is in the range ofabout 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition further comprisesL-tryptophan and a second amino acid (other than L-tryptophan) and themolar ratio of the L-tryptophan to the second amino acid is in the rangeof about 1:9 to about 9:1, respectively. In each of the foregoingexemplary embodiments, the amino acid may be, for example, a sodium saltof the amino acid as previously described (in the aforementionedratios).

In general, the acidifying composition comprises an additive. Exemplaryadditives include plant growth regulators, plant extracts, surfactants,calcium-containing additives, magnesium-containing additives, jasmonicacid derivatives (e.g., salts, esters, or amides thereof), andcarbon-containing additives such as carbohydrates. In one exemplaryembodiment, the additive comprises a plant growth regulator selectedfrom the group consisting of auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene,and abscisic acid. In one such exemplary embodiment, the additivecomprises a calcium-containing additive such as lime, gypsum, or othersuitable calcium-source. In one such exemplary embodiment, amagnesium-containing additive includes Epsom salts, or other suitablemagnesium-source. In one such exemplary embodiment, the additivecomprises a jasmonic acid derivative such as methyl jasmonate or otheralkyl jasmonate. In one such exemplary embodiment, the additivecomprises a carbon source such as inositol; for example, an inositol maybe selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol, scyllo-inositol,muco-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, L-chiro-inositol, neo-inositol,allo-inositol, epi-inositol, and cis-inositol. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, an inositol may be selected from the groupconsisting of myo-inositol, scyllo-inositol, muco-inositol,neo-inositol, allo-inositol, epi-inositol, and cis-inositol. By way offurther example, in one embodiment, an inositol may be selected from thegroup consisting of myo-inositol, neo-inositol, and allo-inositol. Incertain embodiments, the additive may be incorporated as an optionalcomponent of the acidifying composition. For example, the additiveincluded as a component of the acidifying composition may improve thephysical characteristics of the acidifying composition (e.g.,solubility, odor, friability, etc.). In certain embodiments, theadditive may also be a component of the irrigation composition describedherein. In other embodiments, inclusion of the additive within theirrigation composition may improve the application times of the soiltreatment (e.g., less time spent applying the additive first, and thenthe irrigation conditioner or amendment composition).

In one exemplary embodiment, the additive is a plant extract. Exemplaryplant extracts include yarrow extract and plant extracts containing asaponin. In one such embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises asaponin derived from a tea plant or a plant in the Sapindaceae (e.g.,lychee), Quillajaceae, (e.g., soapbark), Agavaceae (e.g., yuccas) orSaponaria (soapwort) families. In one exemplary embodiment, theacidifying composition further comprises Yucca schidigera extract. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition furthercomprises Quillaja saponaria extract. In still another exemplaryembodiment, the acidifying composition further comprises quillaja barkextract. In yet still another exemplary embodiment, the acidifyingcomposition further comprises Saponaria (soapwort) extract.

In one exemplary embodiment, the additive is a surfactant. saponin-richplant extracts and other plant extracts exhibit surfactant-likeproperties. Exemplary non-natural surfactant include ionic surfactant,non-ionic surfactant, and amphoteric surfactant. Exemplary ionicsurfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearate, and sodiumdodecyl sulfate. Exemplary non-ionic surfactants include laurylglucoside, decyl glucoside, sorbitan tristate, andoctylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. Exemplary amphoteric surfactants includeSodium lauroamphoacetate, dodecyl amino propionic acid, betaine and itsalkyl derivitives (e.g. lauryl betaine, steryl betaine, cocamidopropylbetaine, etc.).

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yuccaschidigera extract and at least one other additive (such as anotherplant extract) and the weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to theother extract is in the range of about 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises Yucca schidigera extract and a plant extract (other than Yuccaschidigera extract) and the weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract tothe other plant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:9 to about 9:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigera extract and a plantextract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) and the weight ratio ofYucca schidigera extract to the other plant extract(s) is in the rangeof about 1:8 to about 8:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigeraextract and a plant extract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) andthe weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the plant extract(s) isin the range of about 1:7 to about 7:1, respectively. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yuccaschidigera extract and a plant extract (other than Yucca schidigeraextract) and the weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the otherplant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:6 to about 6:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigera extract and a plantextract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) and the weight ratio ofYucca schidigera extract to the other plant extract(s) is in the rangeof about 1:5 to about 5:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigeraextract and a plant extract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) andthe weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the other plantextract(s) is in the range of about 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises Yucca schidigera extract and a plant extract (other than Yuccaschidigera extract) and the weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract tothe other plant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:3 to about 3:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigera extract and a plantextract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) and the weight ratio ofYucca schidigera extract to the other plant extract(s) is in the rangeof about 1:2 to about 2:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yucca schidigeraextract and a plant extract (other than Yucca schidigera extract) andthe weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the other plantextract(s) is in the range of about 1:1, respectively. In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments, the other plant extract may compriseQuillaja saponaria extract.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesQuillaja saponaria extract and at least one other plant extract (such asanother saponin-containing plant extract) and the weight ratio ofQuillaja saponaria extract to the other plant extract(s) is in the rangeof about 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Quillaja saponariaextract and a plant extract (other than Quillaja saponaria extract) andthe weight ratio of Quillaja saponaria extract to the other plantextract(s) is in the range of about 1:9 to about 9:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises Quillaja saponaria extract and a plant extract (other thanQuillaja saponaria extract) and the weight ratio of Quillaja saponariaextract to the other plant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:8 toabout 8:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises Quillaja saponaria extract and aplant extract (other than Quillaja saponaria extract) and the weightratio of Quillaja saponaria extract to the other plant extract(s) is inthe range of about 1:7 to about 7:1, respectively. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprisesQuillaja saponaria extract and a plant extract (other than Quillajasaponaria extract) and the weight ratio of Quillaja saponaria extract tothe other plant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:6 to about 6:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises Quillaja saponaria extract and a plantextract (other than Quillaja saponaria extract) and the weight ratio ofQuillaja saponaria extract to the other plant extract(s) is in the rangeof about 1:5 to about 5:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Quillaja saponariaextract and a plant extract (other than Quillaja saponaria extract) andthe weight ratio of Quillaja saponaria extract to the other plantextract(s) is in the range of about 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises Quillaja saponaria extract and a plant extract (other thanQuillaja saponaria extract) and the weight ratio of Quillaja saponariaextract to the other plant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:3 toabout 3:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises Quillaja saponaria extract and aplant extract (other than Quillaja saponaria extract) and the weightratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the other plant extract(s) is inthe range of about 1:2 to about 2:1, respectively. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises Yuccaschidigera extract and a plant extract (other than Yucca schidigeraextract) and the weight ratio of Yucca schidigera extract to the otherplant extract(s) is in the range of about 1:1, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises anacid, as described above, and an organic base, as described above, andthe molar ratio of acid to organic base (e.g., an amine) is in the rangeof about 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and organicbase, and the molar ratio of acid to organic base is about 1:5 to about5:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and organic base, and the molarratio of acid to organic base is about 1:4 to about 4:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and organic base, and the molar ratio of acid to organicbase is about 1:3 to about 3:1, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and organicbase, and the molar ratio of acid to organic base is about 1:2 to about2:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and organic base, and the molarratio of acid to organic base is about 3:2 to about 2:3, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and organic base, and the molar ratio of acid to organicbase is about 4:3 to about 3:4, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and organicbase, and the molar ratio of acid to organic base is about 5:4 to about4:5, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and organic base, and the molarratio of acid to organic base is about 4:1 to about 1:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and organic base, and the molar ratio of acid to organicbase is about 4:1 to about 2:1, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and organicbase, and the molar ratio of acid to organic base is about 4:1 to about3:1, respectively. In each of the foregoing exemplary embodimentsrecited in this paragraph, the acid may be, for example, a mineral acid,an organic acid, or a mixture of mineral and/or organic acids aspreviously described (in the aforementioned ratios). In each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments recited in this paragraph, the acid maycomprise, for example, citric acid, glycolic acid, or a combinationthereof (in any of the aforementioned amounts and ratios). In addition,in each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments recited in thisparagraph, the organic base may be, for example, a surfactant amine, anitrogen heterocycle, an alkylamine, or a combination thereof aspreviously described (in the aforementioned ratios). Further, in each ofthe foregoing exemplary embodiments, the combination of the acid and theorganic base may have the capacity to form a soap.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid,as described above, and an amino acid, as described above, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is in the range of about 200:1 to about 1:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 100:1 to about 1:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 75:1 to about 1:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 50:1 to about1:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 200:1 to about 5:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 200:1 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 200:1 to about25:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 200:1 to about 50:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 150:1 to about 5:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 150:1 to about10:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 150:1 to about 25:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 150:1 to about 50:1, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 100:1 to about5:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 100:1 to about 10:1, respectively.By way of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 100:1 to about 25:1, respectively. By way of further example,in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 100:1 to about50:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 75:1 to about 5:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and amino acid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acidis about 75:1 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and aminoacid, and the molar ratio of acid to amino acid is about 75:1 to about25:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and amino acid, and the molarratio of acid to amino acid is about 75:1 to about 50:1, respectively.In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments recited in thisparagraph, the acid may be a mineral acid, an organic acid, or a mixtureof mineral and/or organic acids as previously described (in theaforementioned ratios); for example, the acid may comprise glycolicacid, citric acid or a combination thereof. In addition, in each of theforegoing exemplary embodiments recited in this paragraph, the aminoacid may be a naturally encoded amino acid. In each of the foregoingexemplary embodiments recited in this paragraph, the amino acid may be anaturally encoded L-amino acid. In each of the foregoing exemplaryembodiments recited in this paragraph, the amino acid may compriseL-glutamine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises anacid, as described above, and an additive, as described above, and theweight ratio of the acid to the additive is in the range of about1,000:1 to 1:1, respectively wherein the additive is selected from thegroup consisting of plant growth regulators, plant extracts,surfactants, calcium-containing additives, magnesium-containingadditives, jasmonic acid derivatives (e.g., salts, esters, or amidesthereof), and carbon-containing additives such as carbohydrates. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and the additive, and the weight ratio of acid toadditive is about 900:1 to about 1:1, respectively. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acidand additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 800:1 toabout 1:1, respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment,the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weightratio of acid to additive is about 700:1 to about 1:1, respectively. Byway of further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 600:1 to about 1:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 750:1 to about 10:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 600:1 to about 10:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 500:1 to about 10:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 750:1 to about 100:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 600:1 to about 100:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 500:1 to about 100:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 750:1 to about 150:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 600:1 to about 150:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 500:1 to about 150:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 450:1 to about 150:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 750:1 to about 200:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 600:1 to about 200:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 500:1 to about 200:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 400:1 to about 200:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 750:1 to about 250:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 750:1 to about 250:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 600:1 to about 250:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 500:1 to about 250:1, respectively. By way of further example, inone embodiment, the acidifying composition comprises acid and additive,and the weight ratio of acid to additive is about 450:1 to about 250:1,respectively. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theacidifying composition comprises acid and additive, and the weight ratioof acid to additive is about 400:1 to about 250:1, respectively. By wayof further example, in one embodiment, the acidifying compositioncomprises acid and additive, and the weight ratio of acid to additive isabout 350:1 to about 250:1, respectively. In each of the foregoingembodiments identified in this paragraph, the acid may be citric acid,glycolic acid, or a mixture of citric and glycolic acids. In each of theforegoing embodiments identified in this paragraph, the additive may bea plant growth regulator or plant extract. In addition, in each of theforegoing embodiments identified in this paragraph, the additive may bea saponin. In each of the foregoing embodiments identified in thisparagraph, the additive may be a saponin derived from a tea plant or aplant in the Sapindaceae (e.g., lychee), Quillajaceae, (e.g., soapbark),Agavaceae (e.g., yuccas) or Saponaria (soapwort) families.

The acidifying composition may be prepared by combining the componentsin a sequence of steps. In a first step, the acid and the base arecombined. For example, the acid may be added to the base or vice versato form an acid-base mixture that, in some embodiments, comprises a soapof one or more of the acid(s) and one or more of the base(s).Advantageously, heat is generated by the combination of the acid and thebase which may aid in the dissolution of certain of the other componentsinto the mixture. For example, in one embodiment formation of theacidifying composition comprises in a first step, combining an aqueoussolution of glycolic acid with a base (e.g., triethanolamine) to form anacid-base mixture and thereafter adding solid citric acid to theacid-base mixture; in this embodiment, the heat generated by combiningthe glycolic acid and base aids in the dissolution of the solid citricacid. In those embodiments in which the acidifying compositionadditionally comprises at least one amino acid, the amino acid(s) may beadded to the acid-base mixture as the free amino acid or as a salt orhydrate thereof. Similarly, in those embodiments in which the acidifyingcomposition comprises at least one additive, the additive(s) may also beadded to the acid-base mixture. In those embodiments in which theacidifying composition comprises at least one amino acid and at leastone additive, the amino acid(s) and the additive (s) may be added to theacid-base mixture simultaneously or in either order.

Advantageously, the acidifying composition may be prepared as aconcentrate which may then be conveniently stored or transported, andthen diluted with irrigation or industrial water prior to use. Forexample, in some embodiments, the concentrate may comprise the acid in aconcentration in a range of about 0.125-2.5M, base in the range of0.05-1M, amino acid in the range of 0.0025-0.05 M and additive in theamount of about 0.05-1 g/l. By way of further example, in someembodiments, the concentrate may comprise the acid in a concentration ina range of about 0.5-2.5M, base in the range of 0.1-1M, amino acid inthe range of 0.01-0.05 M and additive in the amount of about 0.1-1 g/l.By way of further example, in some embodiments, the concentrate maycomprise the acid in a concentration in a range of about 0.5-2M, base inthe range of 0.1-0.75M, amino acid in the range of 0.005-0.0375 M andadditive in the amount of about 0.1-0.75 g/l. By way of further example,in some embodiments, the concentrate may comprise the acid in aconcentration in a range of about 1-1.5M, base in the range of0.2-0.75M, amino acid in the range of 0.01-0.0375 M and additive in theamount of about 0.2-0.75 g/l. In each of the foregoing exemplaryembodiments, the additive may comprise a plant extract such as yarrowextract or a saponin-containing extract such as a yucca extract.Additionally, the acidifying composition may independently comprise twoor more acids, two or more bases, two or more amino acids, and/or two ormore natural surfactants, in the ratios previously described elsewhereherein. In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the acidifyingcomposition may independently comprise two or more acids, two or morebases, two or more amino acids, and/or two or more plant extracts, inthe ratios previously described elsewhere herein.

As previously noted, the acidifying composition may be used in the formof a solid, semi-solid or liquid. When used, for example, inagricultural applications the acidifying composition may be combinedwith diluent (solid or liquid) to facilitate application at the desiredrate. In one such application, a concentrate of the acidifyingcomposition is combined with a solid diluent such as a micronutrientfertilizer, a macronutrient fertilizer, a mineral or other particulatematter and then broadcast onto the soil. In another such application, orother composition a concentrate of the acidifying composition iscombined with a liquid diluent such as a micronutrient fertilizer, amacronutrient fertilizer, a mineral or other liquid composition such asirrigation water and then applied to the soil. In each of the foregoingembodiments, the dilution rate (i.e., the amount of the concentraterelative to the amount of diluent) and the application rate (amount ofthe combination) to the soil is a matter within the discretion of theperson applying the acidifying composition, consistent with theaforementioned application rates for the concentrate.

In certain embodiments, the irrigation composition may be applied to asoil or crop, as described above, in various concentrations, asdescribed above, per acre, as described above, per unit time. Forexample, in one embodiment, the irrigation composition may be appliedonce a year. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theirrigation composition may be applied once a month. By way of furtherexample, in one embodiment, the irrigation composition may be appliedonce a week. By way of further example, in one embodiment, theirrigation composition may be applied semi-monthly or even morefrequently.

Application of the acidifying composition has been found to increase themicroflora and microfauna populations, as well as the mesofaunapopulations in soil to which the acidifying composition is applied.Exemplary mesofauna organisms in the soil include earthworms andnematodes, and microflora and microfauna include bacteria, fungi, andmycorrhizae. As such, the application of the acidifying composition tothe soil may provide benefits associated with enhancing seed germinationand improve soil conditions for farming, landscaping, and the like.

In certain embodiments, application of the acidifying composition to thesoil improves soil quality. Exemplary soil quality attributes includeaeration, percolation, drainage, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the acidifying composition may be used inconjunction with an agricultural crops. In one such exemplaryembodiment, agricultural crops may be selected from plantains, yams,sorghum, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cassava, potatoes, corn, alfalfa,wheat, and rice. Alternatively, the acidifying composition may be usedin conjunction with recreational areas, residential landscapes,commercial landscapes, golf courses, lawns, cemeteries, parks, and thelike. The soil to which the acidifying composition may be applied thusincludes any soil suitable for cultivation of plants. Exemplary soilsinclude sandy soils, silty soils, clay soils, peaty soils, saline soils,sodic soils, agriculturally compromised soils (e.g., toxic, sodic,alkaline, and the like), chalky soils, loamy soils, mulch, topsoil,hydroponics, gravel, and compost.

In general, another aspect of the instant disclosure is related to anirrigation composition. An exemplary irrigation composition includes theacidifying composition described herein—in at least one of theacidifying composition embodiments described herein—and industrialwater. Without being bound to any particular theory, since industrialwater may carry associated risks related to the pre-existing compositionof the industrial water, treatment with the acidifying composition mayimprove industrial water quality before administering the industrialwater to the soil. More specifically, some industrial water containsexcessive levels of impurities (e.g., sodium, carbonate, and bicarbonateions—inter alia) that may pose a significant stress on soils or crops,and the like. Treatment of the industrial water with the acidifyingcomposition described herein may ameliorate industrial water impurities.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the acidifying composition may be prepared asa concentrate that is then diluted in water (irrigation or industrial)prior to application to the soil or other use. Exemplary applicationtechniques include spraying, mechanized spraying, and traditionalspraying. In one such exemplary embodiment, aqueous spraying includeshandheld sprayers, boom sprays, sprinklers (e.g., center pivots,waterwheels, circle irrigation systems, etc.), and water hoses. Inanother such exemplary embodiment, mechanized aqueous sprayers includetractors equipped with a dispersing mechanism (e.g., a boom spray)and/or airplanes equipped with a dispersing mechanism (e.g., cropdusting). In yet another exemplary embodiment, traditional sprayingincludes flood (furrow), surface, or border. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes drip. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes gravity. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes rotation. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes subirrigation. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes traveling gun. By way of further example,traditional spraying includes supplemental irrigation (i.e., before orafter rainfall). By way of further example, traditional sprayingincludes rain. In another embodiment, dispersing of the aqueousconcentrate 110 may include dispersing over a soil 130, with or withouta plant 120.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the application of theacidifying composition may include dispersing the acidifying composition110 (e.g., as a solid, semi-solid, etc.) over a soil 130 either beforeor concurrently with industrial water 150. Exemplary solid dispersingtechniques include methods similar to the application of fertilizers. Inone such exemplary embodiment, the application of the acidifyingcomposition may include using a wheelbarrow and shovel. By way offurther example, the application of the acidifying composition mayinclude using a spreader. By way of further example, the application ofthe acidifying composition may include using a seeder. By way of furtherexample, the application of the acidifying composition may include usinga tractor equipped with a spreader/seeder. By way of further example,the application of the acidifying composition may include using anairplane equipped with a spreader/seeder. In other non-limitingembodiments, other solid dispersal mechanisms known in the art will beapplicable.

In certain embodiments, a treatment includes liberating polyvalentcations from their corresponding carbonates, phosphates, or otherinsoluble species. Exemplary polyvalent cations that may be liberatedinclude divalent cations. In one such exemplary embodiment, thetreatment liberates divalent cations comprising calcium (Ca²⁺) and/ormagnesium (Mg²⁺) cations from their corresponding carbonates and/orphosphates.

In certain embodiments, a treatment includes reducing monovalent cationsfrom soil or irrigation water. Exemplary monovalent cations includesodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺). In one such exemplary embodiment, thetreatment liberates sodium (Na⁺) and/or potassium (K⁺) cations from soilor irrigation water.

In general, methods for the preparation of the irrigation compositioninclude combining industrial water and the acidifying composition in asuitable receptacle. A suitable receptacle may include any container(e.g., a bucket, or a glass-lined reactor) that does not react withorganic acids, amines, amino acids, attractants, or any combinationthereof. Following the addition of industrial water, the acidifyingcomposition as described herein may be added.

In certain embodiments, methods for the preparation of the irrigationcomposition include adding industrial water to a suitable receptacle. Asuitable receptacle may include any container (e.g., a bucket, or aglass-lined reactor) that does not react with organic acids, amines,amino acids, attractants, or any combination thereof. Then, addition ofthe amine, followed by a first C1-C7 organic acid to generate a firstmixture. One of skill in the art will appreciate the possibility of anexotherm in generating the first mixture. Then, addition of the secondC1-C7 organic acid generates a second mixture. Optionally, in oneembodiment, the amino acid is added next, followed by the additive suchas a plant extract. Optionally, in another embodiment, the plant extractis added next, followed by the amino acid.

The application rate of the acidifying composition for agricultural useswill, at least in part, be a function of soil and climactic conditions,as well as the identity of the crop or vegetation being supported. Inone exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied to thesoil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.25 moles butless than 25 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.1moles but less than 10 moles of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.005 moles but not morethan about 0.5 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan additive such as a plant extract, the acidifying composition isapplied to the soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about0.1 grams but not more than about 10 gram of additive per acre permonth. In each of these embodiments, the acidifying composition may beapplied as a solid or an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additivesor diluents as described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.5 moles butless than 20 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.2moles but less than 7.5 moles of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.01 moles but not more thanabout 0.4 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In those embodimentsin which the acidifying composition additionally comprises an additivesuch as a plant extract, the acidifying composition is applied to thesoil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.2 grams but notmore than about 8 gram of additive per acre per month. In each of theseembodiments, the acidifying composition may be applied as a solid or anaqueous liquid, alone or with other additives or diluents as describedherein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.25 mole butless than 20 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.2moles but less than 5 mole of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.0025 moles but not morethan about 0.25 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan additive such as a plant extract, the acidifying composition isapplied to the soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about0.1 grams but not more than about 10 gram of additive per acre permonth. In each of these embodiments, the acidifying composition may beapplied as a solid or an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additivesor diluents as described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.25 mole butless than 10 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.2moles but less than 2.5 mole of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.0025 moles but not morethan about 0.125 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan additive such as a plant extract, the acidifying composition isapplied to the soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about0.1 grams but not more than about 5 gram of additive per acre per month.In each of these embodiments, the acidifying composition may be appliedas a solid or an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additives ordiluents as described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.5 mole butless than 5 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.25moles but less than 2 moles of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.005 moles but not morethan about 0.1 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan additive such as a plant extract, the acidifying composition isapplied to the soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about0.1 grams but not more than about 2.5 gram of additive per acre permonth. In each of these embodiments, the acidifying composition may beapplied as a solid or an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additivesor diluents as described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.75 mole butless than 3 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.35moles but less than 1.5 mole of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.0075 moles but not morethan about 0.075 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan additive such as a plant extract, the acidifying composition isapplied to the soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about0.2 grams but not more than about 1.5 gram of additive per acre permonth. In each of these embodiments, the acidifying composition may beapplied as a solid or an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additivesor diluents as described herein.

In one exemplary embodiment, the acidifying composition is applied tothe soil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 1 mole butless than 2.5 moles of acid per acre per month and at least about 0.25moles but less than 1 mole of base per acre per month. In thoseembodiments in which the acidifying composition additionally comprisesan amino acid, the acidifying composition is applied to the soil in anamount sufficient to provide at least about 0.01 moles but not more thanabout 0.05 moles of amino acid per acre per month. In those embodimentsin which the acidifying composition additionally comprises an additivesuch as a plant extract, the acidifying composition is applied to thesoil in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 0.25 grams butnot more than about 1 gram of additive per acre per month. In each ofthese embodiments, the acidifying composition may be applied as a solidor an aqueous liquid, alone or with other additives or diluents asdescribed herein.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further illustrate the practice of the inventivesubject matter. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,common large-scale equipment may be used. For example, a cavitation pumpsystem, among other mixing systems, without limitation, may be employedfor the addition and mixing of reagents.

Example 1 Preparation of Acidifying Composition

In a 1200 gallon stainless steel reactor was added water (approximately720 gallons, at ambient temperature, at 180 gallons per minute)generating vortex stirring. Triethanolamine (approximately 510 lbs.,1535 mol) was pre-heated to 90 F and added via pressure at 5 lbs. perminute, and the clear, colorless solution was stirred as a vortex atambient temperature. Glycolic acid (approximately 815 lbs., 3402 mol)was added as a 70% aqueous mixture via pressure at 5 lbs. per minute,providing a clear, colorless solution. NOTE: Exothermic reaction! Theresulting exothermic solution was stirred for 20 min. with the exothermreaching between 20-30 F above ambient temperature. At the exothermictemperature and with vortex stirring, citric acid (approximately 272lbs., 635 mol) was added portion wise as a solid in approximately 10 lb.portions, resulting in a clear, colorless solution. This mixture wasstirred until the exotherm cooled to ambient temperature beforeL-Glutamine (approximately 22 lbs., 68 mol) was added as a fine powderat ambient temperature, portion wise in approximately 2 lb. portions,resulting in a clear, colorless solution. Yucca Schidigera extract(approximately 3 lbs.) was then added as a mixture in water in a singleportion at ambient temperature. Slight foaming occurred at the surfaceof the resulting mixture, and after stirring for 30 min. yielded 870gallons of a honey-colored, homogenous parent mixture.

Example 2 Changes in Soil Structure

Two adjacent fields with the same soil type, planted with alfalfa, wereirrigated monthly using either water, or water amended with theacidifying composition as prepared in Example 1 (0.25 gal/ac/mo). Thefields were observed following 8 months of treatment. Photographstypical of those observations are shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. There wereapparent changes in soil permeability to water, plant health, and soilbiology in fields to which the product was applied. FIGS. 6A-6D showphotographs taken in two adjacent fields (Fields P and W). FIGS. 6A and6B show typical regions of Field P, which had been treated with productfor about 8 months. Note the preponderance of worm castings on thesurface, the moist soil, and the healthy leaves of the alfalfa plants.FIGS. 6C and 6D are from Field W, which received no product treatment.In these cases, note the lack of worm castings, the cracked soil, andthe plants showing frost damage. In addition, algae growth is apparenton the surface, indicating poor water permeability that leads topooling. All of these properties, improved soil permeability, improvedplant health, and improved soil biology, are typically associated withapplication of the product.

Example 3 Soil Texture and Earthworm Count Differences Between Treatedand Untreated Soil Planted with Alfalfa

To quantify the effect of treatment with the composition on the numberof earthworms present in agricultural fields, a study was performedcomparing earthworm populations in paired fields treated with theacidying composition in water vs. untreated fields. Three sets ofpaired, four year-old alfalfa fields on a dairy farm in Buckeye, Ariz.were used, as shown in FIG. 7. One member of each pair was treated withthe acidifying composition as prepared in Example 1 (1 quart/ac/mo) forapproximately 2 years and the other had never been treated. Each pairwas separated by a dirt road, with the untreated fields (top of FIG. 7A)on the north side of the road and the treated fields (bottom of FIG. 7A)on the south side, and all fields received irrigation water from theColorado River, with the untreated fields being upstream of the treatedfields on the irrigation system. The composition was added to theirrigation water as it entered the terminal irrigation canal from whichthe treated fields were watered. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the arrows show thelocation and direction of flow in irrigation canals supplying water toeach field, with FIG. 7B showing the water supply from a primary canalto terminal canals supplying each field, and the star indicating thelocation where the acidifying composition was added to irrigation waterin the treated fields.

A difference was initially noted in the soil texture of the two fields.The untreated fields were very hard and cracked, and a ¼ inch rod couldonly be forced about 2 inches in to the ground. The treated fields weremuch less hard and were not cracked, and the ¼ inch rod could be forcedabout 2.5 feet into the ground. In addition, the untreated fields hadhigher weed populations than the treated fields.

Earthworm populations were estimated using a standard protocol (A. Gunn,The use of mustard to estimate earthworm populations. 1992.Pedobiologia, 36: 65-67). Three sites in each field were sampled, for atotal of nine sites (the dots in each field in FIG. 7A show the samplinglocations). At each sampling station, a wooden frame with internaldimensions of 33 cm×33 cm was placed on the ground. Alfalfa (aerialportions) and debris were removed from within the frame to provide aclear view of the soil surface, and the frame was forced in to theground to provide a barrier to draining of the liquid from within theframe. Forty grams of dried, ground mustard seed (McCormick's) wereadded to 3 liters of water and the bottle was shaken to mix thoroughly.The liquid (3 L) was poured on to the soil surface within the frame andadded slowly (over 5 minutes) and allowed to soak in. The soil surfacewithin the frame was observed for 20 minutes at each site, and wormsemerging from the soil within the frame were collected and preserved in70% isopropyl alcohol. Worms emerging outside of the frame were notcounted.

Earthworms were separated from soil and debris and counted, as shown inTable 1 below. This data revealed there was a significant presence ofearthworms in soils treated with the composition vs. fields notreceiving treatment. This effect is generally seen only on fieldsirrigated with canal water, as opposed to fields irrigated with wellwater or class II water from dairy operations. We hypothesize this isdue to the presence of earthworm cysts in the river water that feeds thecanals, and that the soil texture changes initiated by the acidifyingcomposition provide an improved habitat for earthworms. The earthworms,in turn, improve soil structure and nutrient release as they multiply.

TABLE 1 Number of earthworms identified at each sampling site in theCalcine-treated vs. untreated alfalfa fields. Earthworm Counts - PerSquare Meter Field No. 1 2 3 Sample Sample Site Standard A B C A B C A BC Average Deviation Un- 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.3 treated Treated 117135 144 144 94 162 72 117 126 123.4 27.5

Example 4 Earthworm Migration—Acidifying Composition-Treated andUntreated Soil

Saline soil collected from an agricultural field in Arizona was passedthrough a 2 mm sieve and treated (1 L) with either the acidifyingcomposition prepared according to Example 1, at a rate of 1 gal per acrein water, or with simply water. The treatment was allowed to flowthrough the soil, which was drained to field capacity and allowed todry. The soil was sieved again to ensure uniformity. The acidifyingcomposition-treated and water-treated soils were placed side-by-side ina pan (approx. 9″×11″×3″). Commercially purchased worms and theirbedding were placed on the surface of the pan at the interface of thetwo treatments. The pan was loosely covered, incubated at 50 F misteddaily with DI water. After 72 hours, the worms were collected andcounted (see, e.g., Table 2 below). Data revealed that, depending onmaturity, earthworms in a laboratory setting chose soils treated withthe composition between 1.8 and 7.7 times more often that soils treatedonly with water.

TABLE 2 Earthworm counts after 72 hours Treatment Location No. of WormsTotal Water Eisenia Surface 2 7 fetida In Soil 5 juvenile EiseniaSurface 0 21 fetida adult In Soil 21 Composition Eisenia Surface 1 54fetida In Soil 53 (1 deceased) juvenile Eisenia Surface 0 38 fetidaadult In Soil 38

Example 5 Earthworm Counts—Treated and Untreated Soil Planted with Corn

To quantify the effect of treatment with the acidifying composition onthe number of earthworms present in agricultural fields, a study wasperformed comparing earthworm populations in a pair of cornfields, onetreated with the acidifying composition prepared according to Example 1and amended to irrigation water (1 qt/ac/mo), and one receivinguntreated irrigation water, which had been in alfalfa for three previousyears. These fields had been tilled and mounded prior to planting ofcorn, which was at approximately stage V6-V8 in both fields at the timeof survey. As earthworms in cornfields may be primarily associated withthe plant roots, the earthworms were surveyed by digging up the soilassociated with 10 plants (about a 8×8×8 inch section) and counting theearthworms associated with each plant, as shown in Table 3 below. Thedata revealed that earthworms were associated with corn roots in greaternumbers in the areas receiving the acidifying composition-amended water,than those receiving unamended water.

TABLE 3 Numbers of earthworms associated with corn plant roots in fieldsreceiving unamended irrigation water and irrigation water amended withthe acidifying composition. Total # Worms Av. # worms per Treatment # ofplants assessed Found plant Water Only 10 3 0.3 Composition- 10 42 4.2amended water

Example 6 Effects on Soil Chemistry Following Treatment with AcidifyingComposition

The effect of the composition on agricultural fields was evaluated byapplying the acidifying composition prepared according to Example 1 (1qt/ac/mo) to three adjacent fields with the same soil type (Test Fields1, 2 and 3; Table CE29) on a dairy at a rate of 1 gallon per acre (2quarts per acre in the first treatment, one quart per acre in each oftwo subsequent treatments, one treatment per month). A fourth adjacentfield (UTC) served as an untreated control. During this time, the fieldswere planted with sorghum. Prior to the next crop, the soil was testedto compare the fields, as shown in Table 4 below. The data reveal thatthe three treated fields had significantly higher electricalconductivity, indicating a higher solubility of ions in the soil.Calcium concentrations remained relatively high and stable. But solublesodium approximately doubled, as did the exchangeable sodium percentage(ESP). Intriguingly, both nitrate and phosphate concentrations weresignificantly elevated in the treated fields, suggesting that these wereliberated by the treatment. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of thesoils remained stable.

TABLE 4 Soil results on fields treated with the acidifying compositionin water vs. an untreated control Tests UTC Test Field 1 Test Field 2Test Field 3 Crop1 Sorghum Sorghum Sorghum Sorghum Crop2 Corn Corn CornCorn Treated with the No Yes Yes Yes composition pH 8.3 8.2 8 8.1Electrical 0.44 1.1 1.2 1.2 Conductivity Calcium, Ca 2000 2100 1900 2100(ppm) Sodium, Na 110 260 230 230 (ppm) Nitrate-N 4.8 24 45 41 NO3—N(ppm) Sulfate-S SO4—S 21 66 72 75 (ppm) Free Lime, FL High High HighHigh ESP (%) 3.6 8.4 8 7.3 CEC (meq/100 g) 13.2 13.2 12.6 13.6

Example 7

Effects on Crop Nutrient Levels

The acidifying composition prepared according to Example 1 in water(0.25 gal/ac/mo) was applied to an agricultural field in Arizona growingalfalfa. An adjacent field, also growing alfalfa, served as an untreatedcontrol and received only water. Alfalfa was harvested and forage testsconducted, as shown in Table 5 below. The concentrations of phosphorus,potassium, sulfur and some other minerals remained high in the alfalfa,although these elements were not being added to the field during thisstudy. This indicates that the acidifying composition was liberatingthese elements from their insoluble state on soil particles, and theywere being removed from the field through a combination of leaching andharvest of the crop. In comparison, the control field continued toproduce alfalfa with relatively high sodium and chloride levels,indicating that the leaching component of removal was not as active inthis field.

TABLE 5 Effects of irrigating with water amended with the composition onalfalfa plant tissue on an Arizona farm. Forage quality data wascollected from the field receiving water amended with the acidifyingcomposition and an adjacent field receiving unamended water. Following12 Control Field, after 12 Treatment months of months of no FieldBaseline Treatment treatment Crude Protein 23.70% 28.11% 24.87% Nitrogen3.79% 4.50% 3.98% Nitrogen/Sulfur 11.15 13.63 12.44 Ratio ADF Insoluble1.96% 2.07% 1.83% Protein Protein Solubility 43.77% 44.85% 44.86% SugarESC 6.10% 5.67% 6.80% ADF 22.98% 21.32% 22.78% NDF 30.81% 28.48% 30.52%dNDF 12.54% 11.22% 12.10% NDFD 24 (1 mm) 40.70% 39.39% 39.65% Fat (EE)1.90% 2.11% 1.96% Ash 11.76% 11.89% 11.76% Lignin (Sulfuric 5.53% 6.02%5.99% Acid) Calcium 1.27% 1.46% 1.26% Phosphorus 0.33% 0.39% 0.38%Magnesium 0.34% 0.33% 0.34% Potassium 3.36% 3.12% 3.10% Sulfur 0.34%0.33% 0.32% Sodium 0.25% 0.19% 0.26% Chloride 1.31% 0.70% 1.08% TDN53.96% 61.41% 60.82% NFC 31.83% 29.41% 30.89% NEL (Mcal/100 62.27 67.8065.54 lb) DCAD 38.95 40.99 31.53 (meq/100 g)

To understand how the soil chemistry was changing in the treated field(Field P), soil samples were taken five months apart, as shown in Table6 below. The first sample was taken and analyzed after 6 consecutivemonths of treatment, and the second sample was taken and analyzed after11 consecutive months of treatment. These samples show that sodium andchloride, which are normally tightly bound to clay particles, are beingdepleted approximately as quickly as potassium and phosphorus. This isdespite the fact that calcium remains high. Thus, all of these elementsare available to the plant, are taken up, and are being removed from thefield with the harvest and through leaching.

TABLE 6 Soil chemistry changes in field P treated with acidifyingcomposition Tests Units Field P Field P Field Sample Time — After Month6 After Month 11 pH SU 8.3 8.2 Phosphorus, P1 ppm 24 18 Phosphorus, P2ppm 163 135 Potassium ppm 364 237 Calcium, Ca ppm 3175 2919 Sodium, Nappm 775 564 Sulfur, S ppm 77 62

Example 8 Demonstration of Increased Water Use Efficiency and IncreasedYields

The effect of the acidifying composition prepared according to Example 1on water use efficiency was observed on irrigated agricultural fields ingrowing alfalfa in Arizona. The amount (acre feet) of irrigation waterused per month was tracked over a four month period. The initialirrigation was done with unamended water. Subsequent irrigations weredone with water amended with the composition (0.25 GPA). The yield (drymatter, DM) of the harvested alfalfa was tracked, as shown in Table 7below. The data reveal that the amount of water used to irrigate thecrop decreased monthly after acidifying composition-amended wateringcommenced. After four months of monthly treatment, a 63% reduction inwater use was seen. This coincided with a 31% increase in dry matteryield. During the observation period, it was noted that the hard calicheon top of the soil disappeared after application of thecomposition-treated water, and the soil became both more permeable andmore able to retain water.

TABLE 7 Demonstration of increase of water use efficiency (decreasedwater demand) and increased yield for alfalfa grown using irrigationwater amended with the acidifying composition Cost Inches per Gate perAcre acre Yield/ Number Hours hour Feet foot Cost DM Initial 27 49 50050.63 $18.00 $911.34 0.7 Irrigation Month 1 27 72 300 44.64 $18.00$803.52 0.75 Month 2 27 73 250 37.72 $18.00 $678.96 0.9 Month 3 27 73240 34 $18.00 $678.96 0.92 Month 4 27 73 230 32 $18.00 $678.96 0.92

Example 9 Water Comparison—by Composition Dose

Saline soil was treated with the acidifying composition preparedaccording to Example 1 in water versus solely water (i.e., untreatedcontrol (UTC)), and tested for leaching of salts from the soil. Clear,plastic cylinders (1⅞″ diameter, 14″ in length) were filled withuniformly packed saline soil collected from an agricultural field inArizona (1.1 lb. soil per cylinder or 12″ of soil) and thenindependently treated with water (100 mL) to fully wet the soil.Preliminary trials demonstrated that 100 mL of water was the approximatecapacity of 12 inches of soil in cylinders. The acidifying compositionwas diluted to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 gallon per acre equivalents in water,and the acidifying composition in water (20 mL) was applied to thesurface of the soil. Using removable rubber plugs, soils were kept moistfor 28 days. Then water (200 mL) was added to each cylinder and thefiltrates (leachates) were collected and analyzed for dissolvednutrients or salts. Data was analyzed at Motzz Laboratory, Phoenix,Ariz. and is shown in Table 8 below (units used in the table includegallon per acre equivalent (GPA); milliequivalents (Meq); deciSiemensper meter (dS/m); electrical conductivity of water (ECw); sodiumadsorption ratio (SAR)). The data revealed that the samples treated withthe acidifying composition retained more water and increased removal ofsalts through leaching.

TABLE 8 Water volume and composition of leachates from soil treated withwater or with the acidifying composition at various concentrationsTreatments (3 Replications Combined) Metric UTC ¼ GPA ½ GPA 1 GPALeachate Volume* 198 mL 123 mL 101 mL 124 mL ppm Meq/L ppm Meq/L ppmMeq/L ppm Meq/L Cations Sodium 120 5.22 152 6.61 158 6.85 138 5.99Calcium 251 12.56 347 17.34 390 19.51 316 15.80 Magnesium 20 1.65 272.27 30 2.52 25 2.06 Potassium 55 1.41 71 1.83 81 2.08 66 1.70 AnionsCarbonate 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Bicarbonate 181 2.96 180 2.95 1802.95 217 3.56 Chloride 97 2.74 103 2.89 114 3.22 103 2.90 Sulfate-S 865.40 98 6.09 110 6.95 93 5.81 Nitrate-N 150 9.80 260 17.48 290 19.58 22014.63 Phosphate 0.31 0.01 0.14 0.01 0.10 0.00 0.14 0.01 Boron 0.14 0.040.15 0.04 0.16 0.04 0.15 0.03-4 Total Salts 960 41.79 1,200 57.52 1,40063.47 1,200 52.50 pH 7.4 7.4 7.0 7.1 ECw** 2.1 dS/m 2.2 dS/m 3.2 dS/m2.6 dS/m SAR*** 1.96 2.11 2.06 2.00 *Milliliters of leachate from 3cylinders, averaged **Approximately 640 ppm per dS/m. ***Describes therelationship of sodium to calcium/magnesium.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for promoting an increase in apopulation of earthworms in soil comprising applying an acidifyingcomposition to the soil, wherein the acidifying composition compriseswater, two organic acids, a C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine, an amino acidand a plant extract additive, wherein the two organic acid are in amolar ratio of about 1:10 to 10:1, wherein the acidifying composition isin an amount sufficient to provide about 0.25 to about 25 moles acid peracre of the soil per month, and wherein the two organic acids comprisecitric acid and glycolic acid.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theplant extract additive is yucca schidigera extract.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine is triethanolamine. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the amino acid is L-glutamine.
 5. Amethod for promoting an increase in plant growth in soil comprisingapplying an acidifying composition to the soil, wherein the acidifyingcomposition comprises water, two organic acids, a C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamine, an amino acid and a plant extract additive, whereinthe two organic acid are in a molar ratio of about 1:10 to 10:1, whereinthe acidifying composition is in an amount sufficient to provide about0.25 to about 25 moles acid per acre of the soil per month and whereinthe two organic acids comprise citric acid and glycolic acid.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the plant extract additive is yuccaschidigera extract.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the C2-C20N-hydroxyalkylamine is triethanolamine.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the amino acid is L-glutamine.
 9. A method for promoting anincrease in a population of earthworms in soil comprising applying anacidifying composition to the soil, wherein the acidifying compositioncomprises water, two organic acids, a C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine, anamino acid and a plant extract additive, wherein the two organic acidare in a molar ratio of about 1:10 to 10:1, wherein the acidifyingcomposition is in an amount sufficient to provide about 0.25 to about 25moles acid per acre of the soil per month, and wherein the plant extractadditive is yucca schidigera extract.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe C2-C20 N-hydroxyalkylamine is triethanolamine.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the amino acid is L-glutamine.